Active Things To Do in Canyonlands National Park
It's pretty easy to take in a national park and not actually get much exercise, believe it or not. But here we're rounded up a list of the most active things to do in Canyonlands. Meaning you'll get a workout with a great pay-off in the form of views and stunning natural beauty. This list of top active things includes some real toughies, so get ready to exercise your legs and lungs.
In the Island in the Sky District, four longer hikes stand out. Lathrop Canyon takes you to the White Rim Road, extremely popular with mountain bikers. Murphy Loop offers wonderful views of the surrounding canyons. Syncline Loop circles around Upheaval Dome, a fascinating geological formation. Taylor Canyon holds breathtaking beauty for your effort in reaching it.
The Needles District has over 60 miles of intersecting trails. Big Spring to Squaw Canyon Loop is an excellent introduction to Canyonlands. Elephant Canyon/Druid Arch is often considered a favorite Canyonlands hike with the best views. Others vigorously defend Chesler Park for its own unique topography and backcountry serenity. The Confluence Overlook ends high above the juncture of the Colorado and Green Rivers. Salt Creek Canyon hides many ancient ruins and some natural arches. Lower Red Lake Canyon doesn't have a lake, but it does have a great overnight backpacking trail. Along with its 1,400 foot elevation loss (which you'll regain on the way back out), it will definitely get you very active.
In the Island in the Sky District, four longer hikes stand out. Lathrop Canyon takes you to the White Rim Road, extremely popular with mountain bikers. Murphy Loop offers wonderful views of the surrounding canyons. Syncline Loop circles around Upheaval Dome, a fascinating geological formation. Taylor Canyon holds breathtaking beauty for your effort in reaching it.
The Needles District has over 60 miles of intersecting trails. Big Spring to Squaw Canyon Loop is an excellent introduction to Canyonlands. Elephant Canyon/Druid Arch is often considered a favorite Canyonlands hike with the best views. Others vigorously defend Chesler Park for its own unique topography and backcountry serenity. The Confluence Overlook ends high above the juncture of the Colorado and Green Rivers. Salt Creek Canyon hides many ancient ruins and some natural arches. Lower Red Lake Canyon doesn't have a lake, but it does have a great overnight backpacking trail. Along with its 1,400 foot elevation loss (which you'll regain on the way back out), it will definitely get you very active.
Lathrop Canyon
Canyonlands National Park
11 mi, 1600-foot elevation loss, well-marked, steep, rocky...
Big Spring to Squaw Canyon Loop
Canyonlands National Park
7.5 miles, varied terrain, exposed sections, campsites...
Elephant Canyon / Druid Arch
Canyonlands National Park
One of the best views of the Needles. 11 miles...
Chesler Park Loop / Joint Trail
Canyonlands National Park
11 miles, sandstone spires, fairly level trail. Campsites...
Confluence Overlook
Canyonlands National Park
11 miles, flat desert trail, view Maze and Island districts...
Salt Creek Canyon
Canyonlands National Park
Rough canyon trail past arches and archaeological sites...
Lower Red Lake Canyon
Canyonlands National Park
18.8 mi. No actual lake! No water till muddy Colorado River...
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